TRAINING PROGRAM CONDUCTED IN THE KINGDOM OF BELGIUM
The cooperation between the European Union and the countries of Central Asia is of strategic importance for the sustainable development, security, and energy stability of the region. These relations are primarily governed by the “New EU Strategy on Central Asia” adopted in 2019. The EU’s engagement with the states of Central Asia – Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan – is aimed at strengthening stability, stimulating economic and technological development, and supporting cooperation in the fields of democracy and rule of law.
From April 14 to 16, 2026, the European External Action Service (EEAS) organized a training program in the cities of Brussels and Bruges (Kingdom of Belgium) dedicated to cooperation between the European Union and Central Asia. Delegations of diplomats and international relations specialists from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan participated in this international program. The primary objective of this political program was the practical application and study of theoretical knowledge gained during the “European Union – Central Asia” political training seminar organized by the EU Delegation to Kazakhstan on November 4–6, 2025. The program covered topics such as economic development in Central Asian countries, clean energy, the digital economy, environmental protection, science, and education. Additionally, an overview was provided regarding the EU political system, the role of the European External Action Service, EU foreign policy in a new geopolitical era (priorities, policy areas, and mechanisms), the Common Foreign and Security Policy, as well as energy and trade strategies.
On April 14, 2026, in Brussels, participants were introduced in detail to the work of the European External Action Service, the activities of the Sanctions Division, and measures for boosting resilience against climate change. On the same day, a substantive and engaging meeting was held with Kaja Kallas, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission. Today, she is one of the key figures in defining EU foreign policy and managing its diplomatic relations worldwide. Ms. Kallas spoke in detail about her primary responsibilities, followed by a Q&A session with the participants.
On April 15, 2026, at the EU Diplomatic Academy in Bruges, the “EU Diplomatic Programme for the Enlargement Region” was presented. As part of the program, a debate was held between the Academy’s trainees and the Central Asian delegations regarding transport, energy, and ecology in the region. Representatives of Turkmenistan – including officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations, and the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan – actively participated in these debates.
Also on April 15, study visits were organized to familiarize participants with the work of the European Parliament and the European Commission. Participants attended a meeting of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade, and members of European Commission committees conducted sessions on human rights in international law and prospects for cooperation with Central Asian countries.
The “European Union – Central Asia” cooperation format is a vital tool for expanding ties. A significant role in this process is played by the “Joint Roadmap” for deepening relations, which encompasses interregional political dialogue, the expansion of trade and economic ties, energy, the transition to a climate-neutral economy, and the resolution of common security issues.
The implementation of such international training programs provides a powerful impetus for the professional advancement of young specialists working in the field of international relations.
Merjen GURBANNAZAROVA,
Senior Lecturer of the Department
of International Law and Comparative Law Studies
of the Institute of International Relations
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.